Brief Overview of λύτρωσις (Strong’s G3085: lýtrōsis)

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words provides insight into deeper theological concepts. The word λύτρωσις (lýtrōsis) is one such term, appearing in Luke 1:68, and carries the meaning of “redemption” or “deliverance.” It’s a vital word in Christian theology, used to describe the act of God redeeming His people from spiritual bondage. This word is significant not only for understanding New Testament teachings on salvation but also for its connections to ancient Jewish practices of redemption, making it relevant for both Jewish and Greco-Roman audiences.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: λύτρωσις (lýtrōsis) [loo-TROH-sis].
Etymology: Derived from the verb λυτρόω (lytróō), meaning “to redeem” or “to release,” λύτρωσις refers specifically to the act or process of redemption. The word carries connotations of paying a price for someone’s freedom, a concept familiar in both Jewish and Greek cultures.
Part of Speech: Noun (feminine). As a noun, λύτρωσις describes the action or result of redemption, such as the liberation of a person or a nation from bondage.
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Defining Meanings

1. Redemption or Deliverance: The primary meaning of λύτρωσις is “redemption,” referring to the act of freeing someone from captivity or oppression. In the context of Luke 1:68, it describes God’s action in redeeming His people, Israel, from spiritual and physical bondage.
2. Release by Ransom: λύτρωσις can also refer to the release achieved by paying a ransom. This meaning is deeply connected to the Jewish understanding of redemption, where a price was often paid to secure someone’s freedom, such as in the context of slavery or debt.
3. Salvation: In theological terms, λύτρωσις expands to mean spiritual salvation, particularly the redemption that comes through the sacrificial work of Christ.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἀπολύτρωσις (apolytrōsis) [ah-po-loo-TROH-sis]: This word is closely related to λύτρωσις and means “redemption” or “deliverance,” often used in connection with the redemptive work of Christ. It emphasizes the full process of being set free.
2. ἐξαγοράζω (exagorázō) [ex-ah-goh-RAH-zoh]: Meaning “to redeem” or “to buy out,” this verb focuses on the transaction required for redemption, highlighting the cost involved in setting someone free.
3. σωτηρία (sōtēria) [soh-teh-REE-ah]: This word means “salvation” and, like λύτρωσις, refers to deliverance from danger or sin. However, σωτηρία emphasizes the broader concept of being saved, not necessarily involving a ransom payment.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun, λύτρωσις follows the declension patterns of third-declension Greek nouns.

Case, Number, Gender:

• Case: In Luke 1:68, λύτρωσις appears in the genitive case (τῆς λυτρώσεως), indicating possession or association with the act of redemption.
• Number: Singular, referring to one specific act of redemption.
• Gender: Feminine, as with most abstract nouns in Greek.

Declension: λύτρωσις follows the third declension pattern.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The term λύτρωσις appears in Luke 1:68, where it is used in the Song of Zechariah (the Benedictus) to praise God for redeeming His people. The concept of redemption here is twofold: it encompasses both the physical redemption of Israel from foreign oppression and the spiritual redemption that comes through the Messiah. This use of λύτρωσις reflects Old Testament themes of deliverance, especially from slavery in Egypt, and points forward to the New Testament understanding of Christ as the Redeemer of all humanity.

In classical Greek, λύτρωσις was used in both legal and financial contexts to describe the act of redeeming something or someone through payment. It often involved the ransom of prisoners of war or the manumission of slaves. This idea of a price paid for freedom is central to the theological concept of redemption in the New Testament, where Christ’s death is understood as the ransom that frees believers from the bondage of sin.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 1:68: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed (λύτρωσις) his people.”
2. Luke 2:38: “And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption (λύτρωσις) of Jerusalem.”
3. Hebrews 9:12: “He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption (λύτρωσις).”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, λύτρωσις frequently refers to the redemption of slaves, the release of captives, or the payment made to liberate someone from bondage. The concept of redemption was not only a financial transaction but also carried social and moral implications, often involving the restoration of dignity and freedom.

Noteworthy Summary

λύτρωσις (lýtrōsis) is a crucial term for understanding the biblical concept of redemption. In both the Old and New Testaments, it signifies God’s act of delivering His people from bondage, whether physical or spiritual. In Luke 1:68, Zechariah praises God for the redemption of Israel, a theme that is fulfilled through Christ’s sacrificial work. The word carries deep theological meaning, emphasizing the cost of redemption and the ultimate freedom it brings to believers. Understanding λύτρωσις opens up a rich layer of biblical meaning, connecting the themes of ransom, liberation, and salvation across both the Old and New Testaments.

Did You Know?

1. λύτρωσις is closely related to the concept of the kinsman-redeemer in Jewish tradition, where a family member would pay the price to redeem a relative from slavery or debt.
2. In the New Testament, λύτρωσις is used to describe both the redemption of Israel and the broader redemption of humanity through Christ’s sacrifice.
3. The idea of redemption in Greek culture often involved freeing prisoners of war or slaves, making it a powerful image for early Christians who saw Christ as paying the ultimate ransom for their freedom.